Pentagon to permit benefits for same-sex spouses

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Pentagon says it will make health care, housing and other benefits available to same-sex spouses of military members by Sept. 3.

The Pentagon said Wednesday that it reached the decision after consulting with the Justice Department, following the Supreme Court's ruling in June on the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act.

The benefits will be made available to same-sex spouses as long as the service member provides a valid marriage certificate.

Military personnel in a same-sex relationship who are stationed in a state that does not permit same-sex marriage will be allowed to take leave for travel to a jurisdiction where they can marry legally.